Assessing the Economic Potential of Jackfruit Chips Processing in South Konkan: Value Addition and Market Dynamics

Abstract

This study, analyzes the economics of processing and marketing minor fruits, with a particular focus on jackfruit chips in the South Konkan Region of India. Primary data was gathered from processing units and marketing intermediaries to derive insights. The analysis revealed that the per-unit capital investment in jackfruit chips processing stood at INR 2.36 lakhs. It was observed that the capital investment in building infrastructure increased proportionally with the scale of production, suggesting economies of scale in this enterprise. The per-quintal total cost of jackfruit chips production was INR 25,685, while the gross returns amounted to INR 44,596. This resulted in net returns of INR 18,911 per quintal, demonstrating significant profitability. The input-output ratio for jackfruit chips processing was 1:1.74, indicating that for every rupee invested, there was a return of INR 1.74. The break-even point for jackfruit chips processing units was calculated at 131.19 kilograms, highlighting that the units were operating at a scale significantly above this threshold. This reinforces the financial viability and efficiency of the processing units. One of the most notable findings was the 590.96% gross added value per quintal in jackfruit chips processing. This reflects a five-fold increase in the value of raw jackfruit through processing, showcasing the remarkable value addition potential of this venture.